While you will undoubtedly be reading countless inspirational stories of women all over social media today, let’s not forget that the cricket world too is filled with motivational stories of the role of women in the lives of several current players. Here is a look at some leading current cricketers and the significance of women in their lives.
Virat Kohli’s mother
The current Indian batting superstar has had a rather difficult journey growing up. He lost his father when he was just 17 years of age and his life transformed after that. It was Virat’s mother Saroj, who then ensured that Kohli remained mentally strong and focused upon his career. Kohli has credited his mother Saroj for being the major reason behind his tremendous success several times. He has often been insistent about the positive impact his mother has had in his life.
David Warner’s wife
Ever since the ball tampering scandal broke out, Australian batsman David Warner has been through an emotional roller-coaster. He was suspended from international cricket and was labeled a cheat by angry fans everywhere. It was Warner’s wife, Candice, who has stood with him like a rock in this tough phase. The couple has faced a lot together but Candice, despite going through an emotional turmoil herself, helped he vulnerable Warner out of the situation and has ensured that he is mentally better prepared when he returns to international cricket.
Rishabh Pant’s mother
Like Kohli, Indian wicket-keeper batsman Rishabh Pant lost his father at a very young age but has overcome that grief because of the support of his mother. Pant lost his father Rajendra Pant right before IPL 2017 but continued playing. Over the next few months, it was Pant’s mother who did not let his young son fall helped him cope with his grief. Earlier this year, after Pant smashed a brilliant 159 against Australia in the Test at Sydney he went on to thank his mother. “Thank you for taking all the stress of mine and making it yours can’t even express my feelings in word,” Pant write in an emotional Instagram post.
Australian woman fast bowler Megan Schutt’s partner Jess Hollyoake
Same-sex marriage has been a debatable issue across the globe including Australia. But Australian woman’s team fast bowler Megan Schutt, ignoring the raised eyebrows in the society over her decision, went ahead and got married to her lover Jess Hollyoake. “If you don’t like gay marriage, don’t get gay married.” Megan has admitted that Jess has changed her life for the better. She draws strength from her partner. “I didn’t hate love but I didn’t believe it could change you as a person, or do any of the crap that the movies bang on about. But it does. It really does,” Megan was quoted as saying happily. Their story is an inspiration for any woman.
Yuvraj Singh’s mother
Cricketer Yuvraj Singh’s battle against cancer is now well known. What many don’t know is the role of his mother Shabnam Singh in helping him through it. A single parent, Singh divorced her husband, former cricketer Yograj Singh, when Yuvraj was still a teenager, has had a tough road and dedicated her life for her son. “We are like kind of best friends and he confides everything in me. It’s just that I had to take over when he was sick,” Shabman was quoted as saying.